Rpaske

[rpaske]

1- Since the main board function is the two WGA events, campout and picnic, what do you intend to offer as a board member over the next 2 years to these events?
I do not believe the two main events of WGA are picnics and campouts. These events, I believe, are to promote geocaching – meeting other geocachers, offering others an idea of creative hides, an opportunity for CITO, oh, and an opportunity to share a meal. When we meet with others, when we walk a little while with others and their families, then we realize that geocaching is not about the geocaching, but it is about the people. We come to understand that geocaching is a process. The process of finding a geocache is really about finding oneself.

2- How do you intend to help mentor the other geocachers in the state who might struggle with the accepted ethics of geocaching?
Mentoring others in the state? *PHEW* How does one cacher mentor other cachers in the state? How about just starting small. When I notice that a newer geocacher has found one of my geocaches, I send them an email, welcoming them to the hobby. Why can’t we all do this one simple thing. I can remember when I started geocaching; I received an email from well a well known team. This alone made me feel welcomed.

3- Since it is the caches in Wisconsin that make us what we are, what caches do you currently have out there that would be considered assets to Wisconsin (including past events you have hosted)?

Poor Mother Goose (Geocache of the month)
Refrigerator Magnet
Devil’s Tea Table (Geocache of the Month)
A Banner Day
Red Head
Fireman’s Park 2
sittin’ and thinkin’
Old Yeller Cellar

4. What direction do you think the board should take specifically regarding what issues you think should be addressed (if there are more issues than one what is the order of priority in addressing these issues)…and what skills/experiences do you have to help to facilitate this direction?

My, first response to this question is, “darned if I know!”. But, after thinking about it I am not sure if there are really any new issues. The WGA continues to have dialog with the DNR, and that is good. WGA members work positively with community parks and recreation, and that is good. The WGA continues to promote get togethers in different areas of the state, and that is good. The WGA continues to promote good geocaching practices, and that is good. The WGA uses the web site to communicate with others and, that is good.

The numbers of new geocachers continue to grow, but I am not sure if that is a result of WGA.

To me, it looks like the WGA is doing a wonderful job. We are all volunteers. Each of do what we can. When we go geocaching we are representatives of the WGA. If we see a ‘No Trespassing’ sign we choose to obey it because it is a good geocaching practice. When we see geocaching trails start to inform, we notify the geocache owner. We continue to be kind and supportive of one another.

We continue meeting and greeting others in a positive way.

I am sure that there are areas where WGA can improve. I am confident that the members will advise the board members who will act in a way which continues to promote WG in a positive way.

So, I guess I am back to my original thought, “Darned if I know!”[/b]

WGA Membership growth is showing a disturbing trend. In the past six months, we count 160 new members while 155 memberships expired. While we report about 650 members at year’s end, about 275 of those memberships have now expired. It appears that membership has actually leveled off at less than 400 with no growth while the number of cachers walking Wisconsin trails doubles annually. What do you see as possible reasons and how would you propose we get growth back on track?

Someone once told me to never to respond to a question with a question, but in this case a question does come to mind, ‘How many current members actually realize that membership must be renewed yearly?’

Here is where I must admit my ignorance. Are current members whose yearly memberships have lapsed sent a reminder email to renew?

Members do have ownership and the ability to vote for representation. Members also show strength by identifying with the WGA.

Should there be further incentives to become members of WGA? Isn’t having the ability to geocache on state owned lands enough? Isn’t the ability to geocache in some city parks enough?

Ok, maybe I have pushed someone’s GPS-r buttons in the wrong sequence. Perhaps simplicity should be the rule. Of course I am open to suggestions.

Want to know more? http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=24825240-e7de-4a68-bed8-f91708900c93
and http://webpages.charter.net/rpaske/
Monthly News article for WGA http://wi-geocaching.com/archives/apr2003.html

[This message has been edited by rpaske (edited 01-10-2005).]

[This message has been edited by rpaske (edited 01-15-2005).]

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